The 56-year-old television and movie actor is returning to his roots, doing stand-up comedy shows. He started at small clubs last May and is revving up for shows in New York and Las Vegas later this year. He’ll be at Pala Casino Saturday night.

“There’s a new guy standing there, a new act,” said Allen, by phone from Los Angeles. “I wasn’t sure what I expected, but I really, really love it.

“It’s been a challenge. It’s been fun and humbling, but I’m finding a new voice for my comedy.”

The star of the 1990s hit comedy “Home Improvement” said he is surprised how many people in his audience didn’t know that he did stand-up comedy before landing on television.

Actually, the first few shows of “Home Improvement” were straight from his old comedy act, “Men Are Pigs.” He used to do a lot of grunting on stage.

He’s now moved on. Age, medical issues, his two children — ages 10 months and 20 years — and his youth are all fodder for his new material. Politics, racism and religion aren’t out of bounds either.

“I may take a shot at politics or racism, but in the end, I have an honorable position,” he said. “It’s been a big leap of faith, but it has worked.”

The act has grown up with Allen — to a point. He still has jokes about body parts and bodily functions, “kind of like your crude older brother.”

Allen said he has been drawn back to stand-up shows because he enjoys working with a live audience.

“Its immediate. That’s what I like,” he said.

But until recently, he’s just been too busy with his acting career.

Besides “Home Improvement’s” eight-year run starting in 1991, Allen has starred in 17 films since 1994, including three “The Santa Clause” movies. His most recent movie, “Crazy on the Outside,” which was also his directorial debut, opened earlier this month in a few cities, not including San Diego. Allen has also been the voice of Buzz Lightyear in the popular “Toy Story” movies. He’s just finishing “Toy Story 3,” which is scheduled to be released in June.

Now he has some time to focus on being himself and being funny, something Allen said he can’t stop doing. He said he’s always joking around with his family and his children. And from his diverse talents — which also include author of two books and designer of cars and tools — his comedy is what he would like to be remembered for.

But he never thought about being a comedian until he actually became one. In 1979, he got his start by doing an act at the Comedy Castle in Detroit on a dare from a friend.

“I never really thought that’s what I wanted to do until I got on stage,” Allen said.

Allen said offstage he’s really a quiet and shy guy. “I’m just as nervous and scared as I was when I first started,” he said. “But once I’m on stage, it all goes away.”